For more information about The Guardians of the Ribbon, here you go: http://www.pinkfiretrucks.org/
Archive for the ‘Survivors’ Category
Guardians of the Ribbon Driving for Cancer
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010Coping with Cancer Article Online
Monday, August 23rd, 2010It’s now online — my Coping with Cancer magazine article. It was only in print form for a while, but now, you can actually click on a link and read it right on your computer. OK, here’s the link:
http://copingmag.com/cwc/index.php/feature_article/blogging_cancer/
Click now.
I Fell Down
Thursday, August 12th, 2010
Photo: jamieanne, Flickr
After cancer, I made some big changes in my life. It all started because I wanted to lose the 10 pounds treatment had forced upon me, and because I wanted to rid my body of the toxins that had been suffocating it for a year and half.
The changes (no alcohol, no sweets, no red meat, no really fatty foods, lots of fruits and veggies, lots of exercise), well, they worked. I lost 15 pounds, got in shape, scored a great resting heart rate and super cholesterol levels, and I became healthier than ever.
Yes, it was tough at times to refuse the brownies and pass on birthday cake, but I became so happy in my skin that the few seconds it would take to stuff down a sweet treat just didn’t seem worth it anymore.
My willpower lasted for three years.
Three. Whole. Years.
And then something horrible happened.
Halloween 2009 arrived.
And I fell down.
One little bite of one little Tootsie Roll from my kids’ stash, and that was it. The sugary flood gates opened, and I just couldn’t get them closed. For nearly 10 months.
If there’s something I’ve learned about my relationship with sweets over the years, it’s this: One cookie isn’t enough. One slice of pie won’t do it. One mini Halloween treat — you get the idea, right?
So, what started with one indulgence back in October led to a feast in November, a baking frenzy in December, a free-for-all in January and February (I was training for a 1/2 marathon, and I became ravenous), and, well, there are no excuses for March, April, May, June, or July. I just ate the sweets I wanted, when I wanted, and while I really didn’t like that my scale had jumped 5 pounds and my middle felt uncomfortably soft, I couldn’t find the drive to get back on track.
Until a few weeks ago, when the tides turned.
I’m not sure how, or why, but just as hard as I fell, I got back up, and now, I seem to have my footing again. I can’t promise I’ll keep it, but for the moment, the sweets are off limits. I’m tightening up the reigns on my favorite crackers and nuts and carb-y snacks, too, and I’ve never let go of my commitment to no alcohol, no red meat, lots of fruits and veggies, and regular exercise, which means the scale is back on track, my middle is firming up, and I’m feeling a whole lot better about the skin I’m in.
Finally.
It’s been said that falling down is not what matters most. It’s the getting back up again that counts.
I agree.
Still, I hope I don’t fall again, because, really, it’s not all that fun.
Tina Takes On Cancer
Friday, July 30th, 2010
Happy family, fighting cancer
She has two little girls, a really great boyfriend, a job she loves, and a bunch of loving friends and family.
She also has breast cancer.
Tina is just 33 years old, and she is embarking on the fight of her life.
It all started just two weeks ago, and already, she’s navigating the maze of mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, MRI, meetings with surgeons, and more. She’s asking lots of questions, shopping for wigs, and figuring out the madness that, sadly, so many women must encounter. The good news: she’s doing it all with a spunky attitude, and a whole lot of support.
Ah, support — it’s what makes her most emotional, she told me.
I understand.
The love and concern that pours out of people is nothing short of overwhelming. In part, I think it’s what helps us survive such a dreaded disease. Writes Tina on her Facebook page:
Just wanted to thank all my friends and family for showing your support with all the pink ribbons and encouraging words. I have such an amazing support system.
The pink ribbons? Her friends are using them as their Facebook profile pictures, and so Tina’s page is like a quilt of pink, nuzzling her and keeping her secure on her journey.
My prediction: Tina is going to be just fine. Even better if we all send our well wishes her way!
Coping with Cancer Magazine
Thursday, July 29th, 2010If you find yourself in a cancer doc’s office anytime soon, see if you can find the latest copy of Coping with Cancer magazine (the July/August 2010 issue). Then turn to page 28, and you’ll find me staring back at you!
Thanks to this very blog, I was given the opportunity to write for Coping. My story is called, “Blogging Cancer: How and why to start blogging.” I wish I could lead you to an online version, but there isn’t one, so you’ll have to read it the old-fashioned way.
Update: 7/30/10
Wait, the webmaster of Coping magazine just left a comment that reads:
Actually, your article is scheduled to be posted on the website homepage on August 23 under our featured stories. The week of August 30 it will be the leading story on Wellness/Emotional Support landing page.
Stay tuned!!
Yay!
1 in 8 Project
Thursday, July 29th, 2010
Image: 1in8 Project
1 in 8 women will get breast cancer.
If you are 1, and you’d like to share your story through words and images, visit the 1 in 8 Project website.
Just click on Get Involved to proceed.
You can also “like” Timothi Jane Graham Photography on Facebook for a peek into Timothi’s fascinating world. Timothi, a cervical cancer survivor, is the woman behind this empowering venture.
Pray for Emily
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
She is only 16.
And she’s fighting leukemia.
If prayer is a part of your life, please say one for Emily.
This morning I had the realization that I am pumping poison into my own body.
Poison that can cause hair loss, sickness, joint pain, kidney problems, blood clots, bruising, chest pain, mouth sores, eye problems and much more.All of this is in order to save my life.
My precious little life.I’m just a kid who has not even begun to experience all that there is.
I’m waiting.
Waiting to explore, experience and live. LIFE. My life.Sounds melodramatic, doesn’t it. It’s not. It’s my reality. Mine and thousands of people like me. Which is the saddest thing.
That’s why this blog is so amazing to me.
Knowing that I have hundreds of people fighting with me, every step of the way is just incredible.So lets keep on fighting!
Emily has a Cancer Blog
Friday, July 23rd, 2010
emilyscancerblog.blogspot.com
This blog is about me, but it’s about so many others, too, and that’s why I write to ask you to take a moment to visit Emily over at Emily’s Cancer Blog.
Emily has only been blogging since this past Monday, and this would be a really good time to start following her. You see, Emily has just been diagnosed with leukemia, and she will begin chemotherapy on Tuesday. She will also turn 16 on Tuesday.
I’m thinking Emily could use some well wishes, some prayers, some words of wisdom, so if you could help hold her hand just a little bit, I’m sure she’d really, really appreciate it.
On Emily’s behalf, I thank you.
Breast Cancer Gear 2010
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
Thank you, Sue!
Every year, I get a package of snazzy breast cancer gear delivered right to my door, and today is great day, because my 2010 goodies just arrived — all the way from Nevada. That’s where my aunt lives, and each year at about this time, she goes to Aspen to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure extravaganza. She wears a sign announcing that she’s running for me, and after she runs her butt off in my honor, she heads home and boxes up the goods she gets, then she mails them off to me. See all that loot above? That’s the stuff — a bag, a t-shirt, a pen, a pin, a Ford Warriors in Pink scarf, and more.
This year, my aunt asked me if I still wanted the packages. She wondered if maybe they are just reminders of all I’ve been through, and perhaps I don’t want to continue being reminded. I told her, without pause, that I do still want the gifts, because not only are they fun to use and share and save, they are the perfect reminder — not of what I’ve been through, but of how far I’ve come. You see, each time that box of treasures lands on my front porch, it screams out that I’ve survived for another year. And besides, there’s no avoiding reminders, no matter what anyone does or doesn’t do. I have a port scar, lumpectomy scars, radiation tattoos, a wacky chemo-induced sun/skin condition, and different hair. Yea, I don’t think there’s any real way to avoid the hints that cancer has rocked my world.
The message here: I love the gifts, I want the gifts, and by all means, send me gifts whenever you feel the urge!
Healing with Words: A Writer’s Cancer Journey — Book Giveaway
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010Diana M. Raab has written a book that you might want to get your hands on. I’ll tell you about it, but first, here’s a bit about her:
Photo: www.dianaraab.com
Diana is the type of person who does everything in a big way. She earned three degrees: an undergraduate degree in Health Administration and Journalism, an RN, and a MFA. She has three wonderful children, despite high risk pregnancies, and she wrote eight books and has won as many writing awards. Also, she is currently launching two babies at once: her most recent book, “Healing with Words: A Writer’s Cancer Journey“ and her daughter’s wedding in the same month. And although Diana spent 25 years focusing on medical and self-help writing, she has also penned memoirs and poetry.
Photo: www.dianaraab.com
And now, about the book:
Diana’s latest book reflects her experiences battling breast cancer at age 47 and then multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, when she was 52. The book is part practical advice (she is a nurse, after all) and part inspiration, which takes the form of poems, journal entries, and friendly thoughts. To show readers the effect of healing writing, Diana also includes blank sections and writing prompts so readers can contribute their own thoughts and writings. Diana describes her daily journal writing as “a daily vitamin-healing, detoxifying and essential for optimal health.”
Great news: Diana will be stopping by to read this post today, so if you have any questions for her, please leave them in the comments, and she will respond. And she is offering you a chance to score her newest book. Yep, another giveaway, and here’s all you need to do to enter:
- Leave a comment and share why this book is on your wish list!
- Leave your comment no later than 5PM ET on Tuesday, July 20, 2010.
- You may enter only once.
- Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia, who are 18 and older.
- One winner will be selected in a random drawing. using random.org.
- One winner will receive one book, valued at $19.95.
- Winners will be notified by email, so make sure to check next week to find out if you’ve won!
e-Cancer Survey for the Under-40 Crowd
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010Here’s a quick on-line survey for those of you who were diagnosed with cancer under the age of 40, and who would like to share some thoughts about the use of mobile and Web-based technologies for coping and complying with cancer treatments.
Sponsored by the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Advisory Board, UC Davis Cancer Center.
No identifying information will be obtained and participation implies consent.
And by quick, I mean it only takes a couple of minutes.
Cancer’s Dirty Little Secret
Thursday, June 24th, 2010A Dozen Ways to De-Stress
Monday, June 21st, 2010
Photo: One in a Million
My boys have summer journals, and they’re writing every few days to keep their skills sharp for the 2nd and 4th grades. I’ve been writing along with them, because I want to show them I’m not afraid of a little summer work, and well, because, writing makes me happy, and it helps me process all of life’s twists and turns. And that’s sort of what I wrote about today in my black and white composition book — getting through the ups and downs, and cutting down on stress.
My essay turned out to be a list, and here are 12 of my ideas for finding peace. Might want to try a few if you’re searching for a little calm.
- Do you have a front porch? Sit on it, especially if there’s a nice evening breeze blowing by.
- Read old letters of recommendation (make sure they’re good ones!).
- Steal a hug from someone you love. Hold on for minutes, not seconds.
- Make a wish list, and don’t worry about the price of anything.
- Find a few quotes that move you, and write them down.
- Read a story about someone less fortunate than you, and count your blessings.
- Remember your own less-fortunate moments, and appreciate where you are now.
- Visualize memorable days, like the days your babies were born.
- Look at old photos.
- Look at old yearbooks.
- Burn a yummy candle.
- Consider everything that happens (good and bad) an adventure that you’ll look back on as a memory — maybe a funny one, maybe not, but a memory nonetheless.
- Reader Lauren says: Looking at yearbooks is always fun! I personally love taking a walk around a nearby pond or driving around aimlessly.
- Reader Tracey says: turn on the music loud and dance with your kids.
Gosh, it’s hard to stop at just 12.
Would love to hear your ideas — if you share, I’ll add them to my list.
Mammogram Done
Monday, June 21st, 2010Mammogram is done.
So is my uncertainty.
Everything is good.
Next up: MRI in November.
Mammogram Monday
Monday, June 21st, 2010
Photo: waterrose, Flickr
I’m not sure how my birthday and my annual mammogram ended up sharing the same week, but gosh, how bad is that going to be if something fishy turns up the day after the happy occasion of turning another year older? Yikes. Everything turned out A-OK last year (mammo the day before my birthday), so fingers crossed the pattern continues.
This morning, my boobies will endure the ceremonial flattening (think Jack Black, plus a lot more skin), and I can only hope that I return to announce that they are just fine and dandy.
Pretty blue robe, here I come.
Made it to 40!
Sunday, June 20th, 2010
Photo: Temari 09, Flickr
The American Cancer Society folks claim to be the official sponsor of birthdays. Well, if they are, I thank them for sending another one my way.
Today, I get to face 40 candles — well, I’m not sure anyone is really going to top my strawberry shortcake with that much wax and fire, but somehow, with some configuration of candles, I’m going to be closing my eyes, wishing hard, and blowing out little flickers of light.
And my wish?
Simple.
I want to see be around to see 41 candles next year. That’s all.
Grateful, plus the Curse of Cancer Treatment
Friday, June 18th, 2010
Photo: LaserGuided, Flickr
I’m a grateful girl. Really, I am. In fact, I can’t even put into clear and concise words how very thankful I am for the breast cancer treatments that have kept me alive for five years. If I even try to put my thoughts into words, I promise you tears will stream down my cheeks. I’m about to turn 40 on Sunday, and WOW, I wasn’t sure I’d make it to that age, what with birthday No. 34 followed by such fear and uncertainty.
Just so we’re clear: I am so. very. happy. to be alive and writing this. I’m simply amazed by what medicine has done for me.
I’m amazed by what medicine is doing to me, too. Five years later, and it finds a way to make me a little bit miserable. Right now, actually, a lot miserable.
I’m covered in red, itchy, drive-me-crazy bumps on my shoulders, chest, back, and areas around my armpits. It happens every year, and it’s called something like UV Recall. Years after treatment, the sun reacts with my skin and the poisonous drugs, and the remnants of radiation, and sunscreen (I’m not sure about what order this all follows or if it’s one or several of these factors), and my skin pays the ultimate price. You’d think I’d have figured it out after all this time, but I haven’t, because sometimes (like last year at the beach), nothing bad happens. I find a sunscreen for sensitive skin, lather it from head to toe, and I’m just fine, maybe even a tiny bit tan, which is a treat for a fair-skinned gal like me. Other times (like this year at the beach), I find a sunscreen for sensitive skin, and, well, the bumps begin — just a few here and there, then some more, until they’ve climbed all over my body, making me more and more wacky by the day.
“Are you not so happy?” Danny asked me today.
Gosh, how I’m trying to be happy, plodding along through these summer days like everything is fine. But it’s not. I’m itchy and scratchy, showers hurt my skin, clothing bothers it, too, the Florida heat (it’s been like 100 degrees here lately) agitates every inch of me, and well, no, Danny, I am not so happy. (Add head cold to the equation, and you might imagine how poorly I really feel.)
The end is near, I know. The bumps will dry up and slowly disappear, and I will do what I always do — slink into the shadows at the pool, sit under an umbrella at the ocean, hide under the bimini of a boat. It’s no fun to be the mom always seeking shade and avoiding fun in the sun. I guess that’s why, year after year, I keep trying to jump waves, and find sea shells along the seashore, and splash in the pool — because I want to think cancer treatment won’t keep plaguing me. But it does, and it probably always will. And that’s just how it is. The very thing allowing me the pleasure of birthdays is torturing me, too.
OK, I’m getting a grip here. This skin ordeal is short-lived. It will consume about a week of my life (couple more days to go), and then I’ll move on. Maybe I’ll even be free and clear by Sunday, when I blow out 40 candles and celebrate another year of life.
See, I’m grateful. Really, I am.
Note: If you caught this post just as it published, you got a glimpse of what I look like. But the photo I put up at first has been taken down. It’s just too icky, and while it’s definitely educational, I decided to shield you from the yuck. And me, too. Looking at the mess in the mirror is enough. Online is just too much. And so I give you: flowers, pretty flowers.
Submit Your Message of Strength & Win!
Monday, June 7th, 2010
deviantjeans.com
Here it is, as promised: the “Message of Strength” contest, sponsored by Deviant Jeans.
It’s really quite simple to participate — just submit your personal Message of Strength or mantra on Deviant Jeans’ Facebook page, and the crew over there will chose a winner based on originality, strength and how well it could translate into art.
If your words win, you’ll receive one free EMPOWERWRAP (valued at $75.00) with your message inscribed, and the artwork created from your submission will be added to the Deviant Jeans Gallery, titled with your first name.
OK, ready to play?
- Visit the Deviant Jeans Facebook Fan page and click on ‘Discussions.’
- Find the topic “Message of Strength Contest!”
- Add your Message of Strength! Examples (but don’t use these, please): “Fight Like a Girl” / “If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, I know I can achieve it.”
- After you type your message, add ‘#mybcblog’ to indicate you learned about the contest here.
- You’ve got until Friday, June 18 at 5:00 PM to participate.
Deviant Jeans Stitches Together Support
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
deviantjeans.com
I’d love to take this great story about Deviant Jeans and put it into my own creative words, but I’m afraid I just wouldn’t do it justice.
So, I’m going to do what no writer really ever wants to do — copy and paste.
It’s the only way, though, for you to feel the emotion that powers this company.
Yes, I’m cheating a little. But right after I cheat, you’ll find something I did work on myself — an interview with Deviant Jean’s Kristin Dudley.
OK, here goes:
Deviant Jeans began in a hospital room at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute when a genetic counselor broke the news that Kristin Kantner’s mother, Doris, tested positive for a gene no one else had. After a moment of silence, all her family in the room began laughing at the notion that within their perfect mother was a little deviance — a “deviant gene.”
Kristin’s mom, a positive, independent, and fashion conscious woman, recognized during her cancer treatments that she had to compromise her style in order to be comfortable and compliant to doctor’s orders. As side effects of her treatments persisted, she found buttons, zippers and the basics of adorning regular clothing a challenge. Kristin watched her mother struggle to match practicality, comfort and fashion and decided to take action…
Kristin collaborated with her entrepreneurial neighbor and friend, Jane Hoffer, and by a twist of fate, the two met Kristin Dudley, a Philadelphia based fashion designer focused specifically on designing for women’s wellness. After a year of planning, designing, and caring, Deviant Jeans™ apparel is now “MADE WITH LOVE IN PHILADELPHIA,” and available to women nationwide.
And now for the fancy interview:
Tell us exactly how some of your products make life easier for cancer patients.
A major consideration in all of our designs is for our apparel to transition from every day to treatment days, without the need to disrobe when receiving chemotherapy or undergoing testing. The Deviant Heart Camisole is especially helpful for women undergoing breast cancer treatments. It is designed with a comfortable shelf bra, and features a contoured neckline to allow for easy port access. The straps are wide, which alleviates the shoulder of the digging and indentations that typically occur from bra and spaghetti straps.
How do you determine what women need?
I have been designing products and apparel for women’s wellness for the past 4 years. Throughout this time, women have approached me with requests for apparel designed to suit their changing bodies and lifestyles. I began receiving faxes with hand drawings of what they were seeking! I have met with many medical professionals as well, who also influenced my design. I address the construction issues, and then I add style!
You’re not just about selling stuff — you’re charitable, too. Tell us more.
When initiating Deviant Jeans, there was one thing that was clear between my partners and myself: we are here to make a difference, not a fortune. We decided to give the customers the unique opportunity to choose their preferred charity they wanted a portion of their purchase to benefit. We offer a list of different charities to choose from at our online checkout, and accept requests from those who wish to support their local support group or other charity.
Name one great clothing tip for women making their way through treatment.
Light layers are essential! Hospitals tend to be very cold inside, yet at the same time, you never know when a hot flash may pop up. Begin with your favorite camisole and layer with a loose fitting button down shirt or tunic. Bring an open front sweater or wrap to wear on top of that. Have fun with your middle layer — seek brilliant colors and wild prints! Think of your clothing as your armor, and fight your battle boldly!
Pretty cool, stuff, isn’t it? Well, it’s going to get even cooler, because very soon, Kristin and I are going to be sponsoring a fun contest. Called “Message of Strength,” it involves calling up your artistic talents, and it could win you a free EMPOWERWRAP. More to come, so, keep checking back.
What Helped Me Move Forward
Thursday, May 20th, 2010My friend Lexi over at Jeans Cream asked me to write a guest post for her blog and I did. It published today. Here it is: http://bit.ly/9BOMdJ
